Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq criticizes US for refusing to release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui

Islamabad: Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq of the Islamabad High Court has strongly criticized the United States for undermining Pakistan’s global standing by refusing to release Dr Aafia Siddiqui from a US prison.

During a hearing on a petition seeking Dr Aafia’s repatriation from the US, her sister, Dr Fouzia Siddiqui, and US Attorney Clive Smith participated via video link. Advocate Imran Shafiq and the additional attorney general also appeared in court.

The court was informed that former US President Joe Biden had rejected Dr Aafia Siddiqui’s clemency appeal and had declined a proposed prisoner exchange agreement with Pakistan. Justice Ishaq remarked that while President Biden pardoned his son, he had refused to grant mercy to Dr Aafia.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry submitted reports detailing its diplomatic efforts to secure Dr Aafia’s release. The next hearing of the case has been scheduled for two weeks from now.